Residents encouraged to check for recalls after e-bike fire in Leesburg

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is encouraging community members with electric bikes (e-bike) to check their specific model for safety recalls after one resident was burned following an e-bike fire earlier this week. If your specific product is affected by a current recall, stop using the recalled item immediately, move the item outside, and follow the directions within the recall.

LCFR units from Leesburg, Dulles South, and Lansdowne were dispatched to a reported explosion of an e-bike battery in the 1200 block of Cannon Court NE at approximately 3:53 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Crews arrived on scene and located an e-bike on fire in the driveway of the home. The investigation determined the resident woke up and discovered their e-bike on fire in the living room, filling the house with smoke. The resident then carried the bike outside, sustaining burn injuries, where the bike continued to burn, ultimately catching the tires on fire, as well as items inside the home that were stored next to the e-bike.

The LCFR FMO investigation determined the fire was accidental, due to a failure within the battery. Two residents and one dog were displaced. Damages are estimated at $10,000. The resident who was burned declined medical treatment.

E-bikes and e-scooters have grown in popularity over the last few years. While they provide a great alternative to getting around, community members should be aware of the risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries used to power them. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode. Keep these safety tips in mind from the National Fire Protection Association when charging or storing these devices.

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• Only use the battery and charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it’s been fully charged.
• Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32℉ or above 105℉.
• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles and keep them away from children and liquids.
• Check for recalls and product safety warnings by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website. If your product is affected by a current recall, stop using the item and follow the directions within the recall.

If you notice any issues with the battery of your e-bike or e-scooter, including unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or not keeping charge, stop using the e-bike or e-scooter immediately. For more information go to www.loudoun.gov/797/Fire-Prevention-Safety.